Buy used: $20.66

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime

FREE delivery Saturday, September 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $25

Select delivery location

Used: Good | Details

Sold by Jenson Books Inc

Fulfilled by Amazon

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.

Have one to sell?

Flip to back Flip to front

Listen Playing... Paused You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition.
Learn more

See all 3 images

Follow the Author

Championship Streetfighting: Boxing As a Martial Art Paperback – January 1, 1997

by Ned Beaumont (Author)

4.5 103 ratings

See all formats and editions

Price

New from

Used from

"Please retry"

—

—

Paperback

"Please retry"

$20.66

$61.01

$14.89

Kindle
$8.99 Read with Our Free App
Paperback
$20.66

16 Used from $14.89 1 New from $61.01

Your fists are your primary weapon system in a streetfight, but most martial arts "masters" like to gloss over that fact. Now fisticuffs expert Ned Beaumont shows you how to duke it out in back alleys and smoky bars and walk away grinning (with all your teeth). All the dirty tricks of boxing are included, too. Not for the faint of heart, this one is destined to become a classic.

Print length

208 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Paladin Pr
Publication date

January 1, 1997
Dimensions

5.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches
ISBN-10

0873649346
ISBN-13

978-0873649346
See all details

Mark Mysnyk
236
Paperback
84 offers from $2.30
Jack Dempsey
1,442
Paperback
62 offers from $6.04
David Lindholm
62
Paperback
17 offers from $16.88
Shahan Dudayev
144
Paperback
2 offers from $6.67
Mark Hatmaker
187
Paperback
60 offers from $3.24

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paladin Pr (January 1, 1997)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0873649346
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0873649346
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.5 x 8.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,022,900 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #860 in Boxing (Books)
- #4,148 in Martial Arts (Books)
- #22,591 in Exercise & Fitness (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.5 103 ratings

Important information

To report an issue with this product, click here.

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Ned Beaumont

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

103 global ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

How customer reviews and ratings work

Sort reviews by

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

This should be in the library of any martial artist who is interested in training for real fighting.

Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2015

Verified Purchase

Overall, an excellent book on many levels. Beaumont is realistic about streetfighting in a way that you rarely get in a book with “martial art” in the title, and he bridges the gap between the historical and the practical in relation fighting in a way that is ingenious for all of his somewhat gruff fighter’s tone in writing. The boxing history is amazing and anecdotes are used to not just as filler, but to illustrate the points about fighting, principles, or techniques, that he is writing on. As someone who has trained in many martial arts, including combat sports like Muay Thai and street practical arts like Eskrima and Hawaiian Kenpo, I enjoyed his style. I teach much of what he writes about, and I haven’t seen all of it in a book, and certainly not explained as well.

I do have problems with some of his claims about boxing and history, such as the jab originated in the 18th century and that ancient boxers as found in Egypt, Rome, and Greece just threw big looping punches. There is no evidence for such claims. His characterizations of martial arts, particularly of the “strip mall” variety are sometimes very accurate and worthwhile to mention, but there is a tendency to lump all martial arts together, and this is extremely problematic. I think this may just be a product of the time period in which he wrote this book, where practical fighting arts among martial arts were much more rare in America (it was first published in 1977).

This is a quote that I think is representative of his writing style, and that I actually enjoyed: “Kung Fu and most other martial arts teach effective [sometimes] techniques that would be fouls in a ring, but all the tiger claws, scorpion hands, and chicken necks of the Oriental ‘masters’ won’t work as well in a real fight as will one rabbit punch.” (Beaumont 139) A rabbit punch in a punch to the back of your opponent's neck (seventh vertebra, neck itself, or the base of the skull). This is a move we use often in Hawaiian Kenpo (CHA-3, a cousin of Kajukenbo), and it is extremely effective (though potentially deadly).

I'm thinking of copying the pages on infighting (my personal favorite range to fight at) and giving them to my students. I teach everything in them through motion, drills, etc., but Beaumont does a great job of breaking everything down, and I think it will be useful to help students understand infighting in a way few guys training in martial arts or MMA do.

Actually, I'm thinking of getting as many people I know who train seriously to buy the book, from students to instructors. It has so much useful information in it, from the solid infighting I mentioned above, to solid boxing, to "illegal" strikes like hammer fists, my favorite equalizer of elbows, headbutts, throws, "fouls", setting up a training regimen in the gym or at home, practical street fighting advice based on examples from the greatest boxers in the past, etc. that I can't help but recommend it. I have been taught and have taught many of these things over the decades in have been involved in martial arts, combat sports, and fighting, but I really haven't seen them all gathered together in such a way.

8 people found this helpful

Amazon Customer

THE TRUTH SOMETIMES HURTS

Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2020

Verified Purchase

This is a great book . I started Karate in 1971 . I’m from a small town so they had One boxing club and one karate club . Hardly anyone knew about Karate and my INSTUCTOR was a street fighter also so he taught us Korean Karate which was mostly using our legs . I was young 18 and I was small 5 foot 7 and weighed about 145 . My instructor drilled in us the importance of being in great shape so he trained us like boxers . By the way he himself was a boxer. I believed what he told us and taught us. Through the years I used my kicks and my speed and my endurance to help me survive street fights . Now I m an old man and can barely walk much less kick so the last 10 years I’ve got into basic weapons training like Pocket knife , kuboton , cane , mace ink pen and I just got into learning about guns . If I could do it all over again I would have definitely join the Karate club and the Boxing club and lifted weights. I’ve had to learn the hard way that I m not invincible neither is my karate. I was very Naive when I was 18 and started my Martal Arts Journey.Im very grateful for my instructor and my classmates . We were very close and still are some 50 years later . I’ve heard my whole life that when u get older u get wiser . I no longer think I’m invincible that is why I m learning about firearms. Thank you for ur book Mr Beaumont. I wish I would have read it in 1971 . LOL

3 people found this helpful

Decent book but...

Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2000

Verified Purchase

It seems the only reason the author wrote this book was to show how boxing is the best style. It should of been named "Why boxing is the Best". He writes the book through his own hang ups. At one point he points out that he is indeed prejiduced, although that doesn't let him off the hook. If only he would know that the majority of people that are honestly interested in self-defense these days approach the different styles of fighting as being only certain parts to the totality of combat and the most efficient way of fighting is to learn all of them.
The book is very informative and it would definately be a useful addition to any martial artists library although it is definately not the "end all be all" book of fighting.
At one point he gives props to Bruce Lee and his book "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" He does, however point out that 1/3 of this book is "half-baked philosophy". It would do him good to listen to this "half-baked philosophy" because it might cause him to throw away his prejiduces and see combat and life in a new, refreshing way.
However, there are a few things I did like about this book and those are 1. Ned Bueamont seems to know his subject material very well and it appears as though he has been in many streefights. 2. I like how he emphasizes "controlled agressivness" throughout the book. 3. Boxing is indeed a very useful way of streefighting and Ned represented the techniques, methods, and ways of using it nicely, although he did go a little overboard to convince the reader that boxing is the "end all be all" way of fighting.
Hopefully the knowledgable reader can take what he needs from this book and regard the rest.

9 people found this helpful

Boxing As A Martial Art

Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2006

Verified Purchase

Ned Beaumont's "Championship Streetfighting" is an in depth look at the use of boxing for self-defense. Mr. Beaumont begins by looking at boxing as the old-time method of self-defense, and points out the prior to WWII when a man wanted to learn self-defense he studied boxing. Next Mr. Beaumont gives his opinion about the effectiveness of boxing when compared to the traditional Asian martial arts. "Championship Streetfighting" clearly favors boxing as the more effective style for self-defense (as one might expect in a book about boxing), but at the same time Mr. Beaumont points out that any style can be effective when employed by a tough, fit, and knowledgeable fighter.

The majority of "Championship Streetfighting" discusses various techniques and combinations to use boxing for self-defense. This includes the basics of jabs, hooks, upper-cuts, and straight punches. Also discussed are fouls and dirty tricks, which while banned in the sport boxing ring, and very effective for self-defense.

The book ends with a few suggestions for training and getting into shape such as speed bag, heavy bag, conditioning and road work.

"Championship Streetfighting" is mostly text, with just a few illustrations. While perhaps not a training manual, anyone with some basic skill to begin with can certainly learn a few new techniques to add to his arsenal of self-defense capabilities. If you understand a little more than the mere basics of boxing, "Championship Streetfighting" becomes much more useful in teaching combinations which are extremely effective for real-world self-defense.

About the only criticism (and a minor criticism at that) I can offer about the book is that it is a bit light on illustrations. More illustrations or photographs demonstrating the techniques discussed in the text would have enhanced what is otherwise an excellent book.

Mr. Beaumont's recommendation that one interested in self-defense should develop skill in boxing is certainly well-founded. And "Championship Streetfighting" is certainly well recommended for anyone interested in boxing as a martial art.

31 people found this helpful

Very Useful - Highly Recommended

Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2014

Verified Purchase

- Why I Read This Book

I am interested in practical self-defense and have studied various Asian martial arts on and off for 15 years. Although I have learned much from them and respect their traditions, I have always found Western-style punches to be more effective. I wanted to discover more about how a boxer punches and how a boxer would fight in "real" (not sport) situations.

- Positives

This book gives the best explanation of hooking that I have ever come across. After years of being in the dark, I can finally throw a proper hook! In fact, all of the explanations are quite clear and easy to implement.

The "Lessons from the Champs" interspersed throughout the book are not only entertaining and historically interesting, they really underline the author's points.

Some people might be put off by the author's digs on Asian martial arts, but as an Asian martial arts veteran, I mostly agreed with him. Frankly, I found his disparaging comments to be lighthearted, considering that he praises and encourages the use of non-boxing techniques (elbows, palm-heel strikes, grappling, etc.) throughout the book.

The bibliography seems very useful and I look forward to reading many of the books presented.

- Negatives?

Not a negative per se, but do not expect the same level of instruction on something non-boxing, such as using elbows, as something common to boxing, such as an uppercut.

- Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this book as much as Jack Dempsey's great book (from which a lot of Beaumont's material is derived). If you are also interested in learning how to avoid and prepare for fighting and its aftermath, I recommend Facing Violence: Preparing for the Unexpected .

3 people found this helpful

Championship Steetfighting

Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2011

Verified Purchase

This is a very good book, well worth the money and time spent reading it.

To my mind the only legitimate criticism is that the illustrations are few and very simple. That said, I found the text to be very descriptive and easy to understand.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the basics of boxing for unarmed combat and possibly those with boxing experience who wish to make their skills more street ready. The author strikes me as a gung-ho, all American type and this may be off-putting to some of the kinder, gentler types, but if that is the case, why would you be reading a book on streetfighting?

The author covers punches, combinations, defensive skills, fouls(blows that would be illegal in the ring), conditioning and more. Interspersed throughout the book are references to the champions of the past and the skills they used. These were always interesting and good at emphasizing certain points.

Lastly, I would highly recommend two of the authors other books, The Savage Science of Streetfighting and Kill-As-Catch-Can. As the author acknowledges, no one fighting "art" is complete in the skills it teaches. People who have "been there and done that" often say, "most fights go to the ground" and "most fights are decided by punches to the head". These two statements are not, as contradictory, as they might seem. In short, you need to know both striking and grappling; this book can teach you the former.

2 people found this helpful

Book was written before MMA took off

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2018

Verified Purchase

Back in the day, not that long ago, boxing was THEE combat sport to take, at least here in the states. The author came from that "not that long ago", in a time where Eastern Martial Arts meant some Wing Chun/Aikido McDojo gym taught by a fat suspect guy in pajamas. Even decent martial arts like Tae Kwon Doe and Karate do not compare to boxing when it comes to self defense. In a street fight, punches will be thrown. All those former arts listed do not train someone to handle punches. Boxing on the other hand, does. Though the author's beliefs on Martial Arts are outdated (such as the belief that boxing beats wrestling), do not let this fool you. If you're an MMA/MuayThai/Kickboxer/Boxer who's looking to maximize your striking for the street, this book has a lot of good information. The author is very opinionated on martial arts, but if you can withstand that, you'll be treated to a lot of good information regarding boxing for self defense/street fighting.

3 people found this helpful

Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2010

Verified Purchase

I coach in boxing and currently have my grandson involved in learning the science. I have reviewed many books on boxing and found this to be perhaps one of the best primers for a new boxer to read and understand the science of boxing. Most important, it drew on examples of the "old school of boxing" and the turn of the century fighters who knew and understood the importance of the science and use of the body in delevering punches. There are few coaches who really teach or understand the importance of this, and it was brought to home recently when my grandson attended a summer camp and was picked on by an older bully, who put him in a head lock and delivered two punches to his head. My grandson broke free and shot a power uppercut to his jaw, sending the bully into hiding in the latrene. The other kids who witnessed this were in awe that a small kid could do this to a much larger and stronger kid. Lesson learned...lesson taught. Forget wasting your money on Karate, Kung Fu and martial arts that will get you butt kicked. Outside of boxing and MMA, you don't stand a chance in a street fight..read this book.

2 people found this helpful

Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2015

Verified Purchase

Second book that is a reality of what 'real fighting' is. If you've ever been in a tussle on the street--and I'm not talking about you and three other guys backing you up either--I mean just you and another guy--no ref, on one to jump in to save you; only a 50/50 chance of winning........or losing then you can relate to this book. In fact if you're that guy I just described then you don't need this book---you already got the concept down---this book is for you to give to the guy that needs to know what real street fighting is all about--you know, the one who only starts problems when he has three buddies backing him up because he knows one on one he feels his chances are less than 50/50. The concepts are easy, short and crystal clear: if it's going to go down then it's explained in Beaumont's book. I won't give anything away because it wouldn't be fair to Beaumont now would it?

One person found this helpful

Very good condition

Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2022

Verified Purchase

Very good condition

Pretty Good Book

Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2009

Verified Purchase

The book is very practical. The author does know what is he talking about when it comes to street fights.
Boxing is considered a martial arts that is very practical and effective. Why? You are trained to hit while being hit. Sparring is not street fighting but controlled fighting like war games or lab experiments. When you spar, one of your jobs is to protect your sparring partner and learn from each other. In a street fight, your objectives are take position and take out the opponent in the most efficient ways possible. Take the head (CPU/Brain) or respiratory system via neck or chokes. He does not cut down all martial arts but just the ones who have instructors that have no practical streetfighting experience; the ones who teach poison/garbage to their students. Also, he does mention it's the person not that art/system that makes the difference. The book has a few good concepts and some mentioned techniques that are effective for any system of fighting.

2 people found this helpful

Brings boxing back to its roots

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2011

Verified Purchase

This is a great book for anyone interested in boxing as self-defense (which it was originally created for). He takes good lessons from famous sport boxers, and molds them together with realistic self-defense concerns, to show the reader how to use boxing for self-defense. And to all those who are upset about his criticism of orienatal martial arts, take them in context. Beaumont is upset about "masters" who claim to teach you how to realistically defend yourself, but don't make you tough mentally and don't teach you to take pain. This is why the author likes boxing, because its training includes so much full-contact sparring. Beaumont implies respect for oriental martial artists who train realistically. Again, take it in context.

But overall, a very common sense book with lots of sound knowledge.

3 people found this helpful

Michael W. Turner

Excellent Book!!!

Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2009

Verified Purchase

This is only the second book that I've read about a fighting system, but I have to say that I thought it was very well written. I've been taking a boxing class for over a year, and I absolutely love it. This book opened my eyes to things I never considered in regards to having to adapt those skills to a streetfight. For instance, now that I punch harder than normal, there is a bigger possibility that I could break my hands on someone's face. So I should prep my hands for bare knuckle fighting. Mind you, I haven't been in a fight in over 11 years, and I hope I never have to, but it's good to be prepared. He was super detailed in describing all types of punches and techniques as well.

3 people found this helpful

Solid Information About Boxing

Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2013

Verified Purchase

Clearly written and solid information about boxing, training, and the functional aspect of boxing as probably the superior way to arm yourself against thugs; definitely superior to the so called, Martial Arts. By the way for the uninitiated, western martial arts, wrestling & boxing, are older than the eastern martial arts; also, more functional and practical, and boxing holds the edge over other forms, when someone learned properly, from established and proven training methods, and from actual work, or sparring in the ring. Solid book.

Stubborn Artist

Knock His Block Off!

Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2005

Verified Purchase

This is a great introduction to power punching -- which is the chief thing that boxing has to offer when it comes to practical street defense.

The book also contains great practical advice about physical conditioning.

Critics of the book have one valid point -- except that Beaumont concedes their point in the text. Beaumont's critique of Asian martial arts apples only to the strip-mall version of same. A lot of martial artists trained in Asia can fight for real.

Master this book's lessons and you'll beat the bejabbers out of almost anybody who crosses your path. But keep in mind the "almost."

3 people found this helpful

Get to Know Us

Make Money with Us

Amazon Payment Products

Let Us Help You

English United States

© 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates